Chapter 35: I, Ling Qiong, Send the Money! (End)

When Lu Wenci came out of the restroom, he was met by someone who claimed that there had been a sudden change in the schedule and that the director needed to speak with him. The person offered to take him over. Temporary changes were normal, especially in such a crowded place, so Lu Wenci didn’t think much of it.

He hadn’t expected, however, that once he was led to a deserted spot, the man’s demeanor would abruptly shift, and he would start spouting inexplicable words. That wasn’t all—suddenly, he made a move.

It happened so fast that Lu Wenci didn’t have time to react.

He had learned some basic skills from the stunt coordinator while filming, but compared to the man before him, he was at a clear disadvantage.

The man was not only strong, but also agitated. When Lu Wenci tried to call for help, the man clamped a hand over his mouth and pinned his shoulders with his arm, completely blocking any chance of escape.

Bang—

The pressure on his shoulder suddenly vanished.

Lu Wenci watched as his assailant crumpled slowly to the ground, revealing the person behind him.

Lin Qiong loosened her grip, letting a steel pipe as thick as her wrist fall to the floor. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, gazing at him with innocent, doe-like eyes, her whole demeanor radiating harmlessness.

As if it hadn’t been her who just wielded the steel pipe.

Yet Lu Wenci thought she looked remarkably… practiced.

“He scared me,” the young woman complained first, “so I acted.”

The corners of Lu Wenci’s mouth twitched.

He truly couldn’t see any sign that she’d been frightened.

Still, since his girlfriend said so…

Lu Wenci stepped forward to hug her, soothing her as one might a ruffled pet, before asking, “Why are you here?”

“If I hadn’t come, you would’ve been bullied,” she answered matter-of-factly.

Lu Wenci hadn’t expected to be attacked here.

He took her hand and checked it over; her fair, delicate fingers were unscathed.

“Don’t do this next time. If something like this happens, don’t rush in by yourself. What if you get hurt?”

“Don’t worry, I’m experienced. I’m a professional,” Lin Qiong replied confidently.

…You seem to have a lot of ‘professional’ skills.

…

Lu Wenci called Chen Fangchuan to handle the situation. There were no cameras in that area, and Lu Wenci didn’t mention that Lin Qiong had been the one to knock the man out, leaving the aftermath for Chen Fangchuan to manage.

By the time Lu Wenci finished filming, it was quite late. Lin Qiong had curled up and fallen asleep on his lounge chair, a small bundle.

He crouched beside her, his fingertips brushing her soft cheek for a while before he bent down and scooped her up.

Chen Fangchuan and the assistant were hardly surprised by the sight, but neither expected there would be fans waiting outside.

As soon as Lu Wenci stepped out, he was surrounded.

The fans’ shouts were deafening. Feeling a bit nervous, Lu Wenci gestured for calm.

“Please don’t make noise. Wait a moment, let me take her to the car first, then I’ll come back to sign autographs for you, all right?”

...

Lu Wenci’s voice was gentle, soothing the restless crowd.

After all, everyone knew he was in a relationship, and faced with the scene, they could only feel envious.

Suppressing their squeals, the fans parted to let Lu Wenci through, eyes brimming with longing.

“I wish I could be carried like that.”

“Just keep dreaming.”

“Ugh, ugh…”

True to his word, Lu Wenci returned after settling Lin Qiong in the car, signing autographs and taking pictures, which took quite some time.

When he finally got back, he saw the girl leaning against the car window, staring at him intently.

He opened the door, and she scooted over to make room for him.

Even after the door shut, she kept her gaze on him.

Feeling a bit uneasy under her scrutiny, Lu Wenci asked, “What’s wrong? Are you grumpy from being woken up?”

Lin Qiong, quite serious, said, “I just realized your fans are all so good-looking.”

Lu Wenci was baffled.

She leaned in and whispered three words in his ear.

He held her head in mock exasperation, “What nonsense are you talking about? How could I ever do that? They’re just fans.”

She grinned, her voice sweet as she addressed him, “Honey.”

…Damn!

Are you just trying to praise yourself in a roundabout way?

...

Under Lin Qiong’s diligent efforts, she finally succeeded in taking control. With Father Su overseeing things, she kept a modicum of restraint, but once he relinquished authority… chaos ensued.

Today she bought this, tomorrow that…

Father Su was so exasperated he nearly had a heart attack.

He began to suspect the family fortune would soon be squandered.

Lin Qiong solemnly assured him, “Dad, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, the Su family will never go bankrupt. Enjoy your retirement.”

Father Su was unconvinced, feeling disaster was imminent.

Yet each time he thought the family was doomed, things turned out fine.

Under Lin Qiong’s guidance, the family’s fortunes even began to rise.

Of course, Lin Qiong had no intention of letting the family business fail. The more money they had, the more they could invest, and the more lavishly she could spend, ensuring her darling remained the reigning star of the entertainment world.

Why would she ever let the Su family fall?

Gradually, Father Su stopped worrying and settled into his retirement.

...

Mother Su seldom returned. Even when she did, she rarely crossed paths with Lin Qiong. If they happened to meet, she would merely greet her coolly.

She showed little reaction to Lin Qiong inheriting the family business.

Still deeply mourning her own daughter’s death, she remained lost in sorrow.

With Father Su retired, he had more time to accompany her, and her spirits slowly improved.

In time, Lu Wenci and Lin Qiong married, and their married life was exceptionally harmonious.

Lu Wenci made a point of learning to recognize colors; now, whenever Lin Qiong mentioned a color, he could pick out the right clothes instantly.

However…

She owned far too many clothes.

So many that she could change three times a day, all year round, without ever repeating an outfit.

...

Later, Lu Wenci won numerous awards. By then, he didn’t need Lin Qiong to bankroll him—he could support himself.

“Dear, your task is complete. You can choose to submit the task and stay for another three years in this world, or to end the task and leave now.”

“…What’s the difference between the two options?”

“If you submit, you can remain here for three more years. If you end, you leave immediately.”

Three years?

Lin Qiong patted her beloved beside her. Of course, she chose to stay.

Who would tire of a life of abundance and a lovable companion?

She certainly wouldn’t.

Three years—neither very long nor very short—slipped by in a flash, yet felt like an eternity.

The day she left, Lin Qiong sat on the lawn, watching Lu Wenci fuss with the fruit juice nearby.

The scene was tinged with warmth.

She found herself reluctant to part.

But every game must come to an end…

Lin Qiong stood, walked over, and hugged Lu Wenci from behind.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, laughter in his voice. “Don’t mess with me, or you’ll spill the juice.”

She slipped from under his arm to stand before him, cupped his face, and kissed him.

Lu Wenci froze for a moment, then kissed her back.

“You…”

Lin Qiong only heard him utter “You—” before everything faded into silence.

Before her eyes, the world faded like an old film, colors draining away until only darkness remained.

*

Some people just seem destined to die again and again.

“Lin Qiong is her own person. Please don’t project Chuzheng or others onto her. See her with fresh eyes; don’t assume she should be a certain way just because of my previous stories. She should be as I write her now, not as you imagine.”